Fall’s Latest Threat: The Puss Caterpillar
September 17, 2014
There have been multiple reports of stings from the puss caterpillar, also known as the Megalopyge opercularis, which have sent children to the hospital in both North Carolina and Virginia. As the most venomous caterpillar in the United States, this caterpillar contains poison that is hidden in hollow spines among its hairs. Even the slightest brush of the arm against this dangerous pest can cause its small barbs to get stuck in your skin.
Important Facts About The Puss Caterpillar
While enjoying time outside this fall with your family in North Carolina or Virginia, watch out for one of the season's most harmful pests -- the puss caterpillar. The poison of this venomous pest can cause rashes and has the potential to send those who come in contact with it to the hospital. The resulting pressure on your glands will cause the venom to be released into your body.
Once the venom is released into your body, you get an instant reaction that feels like a bee or wasp sting, followed by redness and swelling that can spread up the arm and last for 20-30 minutes. Unfortunately for a 4-year-old in Boiling Lakes, NC and a 2-year-old in Virginia, they accidently touched this pest, which at first glance, seemed harmless. Both of these children ended up in the hospital, but are reportedly doing fine.
If You Spot The Puss Caterpillar In Your Yard, Call Go-Forth Pest Control Today!
Have you spotted what you think is the puss caterpillar in your yard? Don’t wait until it does harm to you or one of your family members -- contact Go-Forth Pest Control today at (336) 841-6111! Our Greensboro and Winston-Salem, NC exterminators would be happy to visit your property, assess the situation and provide the proper pest control method to rid this dangerous pest from your lawn.
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